Learn & Teach

After School Program

Human Origins - Science Research Course

Around 3.6 million years ago in a remote corner of East Africa, two early human ancestors left a trail of footprints in a field of fresh volcanic ash. Walking upright with a gait that was more human-like than ape-like, these resourceful hominids were adapted to life beyond the tropical forests. Flash forward to 100,000 years ago to a cave in Israel where a band of the first anatomically modern humans laid to rest two family members, symbolically placing a necklace of shell beads with one individual and the jaw of a wild boar with the other. What traits separated these fully modern humans from their hominid ancestors? How did hominids physically adapt to their ever-changing environment, learn to produce tools, or develop the ability to communicate ideas? Explore first-hand what makes us human by examining fossils, studying anatomy, and learning to make your own chipped stone tools. In this course, we will trace the path of human evolution through in-depth discussions, hands-on activities, and visits to Museum halls that plot the history of humankind.

This course is a prerequisite for the Museum’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) in the biology and anthropology tracks. The course is offered free-of-charge.

Our class will investigate NYC’s natural history from a pre-colonial Eden to concrete jungle, learn the skills of ecological research, and roam the Halls of the Museum (after hours!). We will visit Central Park, Inwood Park, and the shores of the Hudson River to learn about the diversity of animals and plants living right on our doorstep. Our class will also discuss what is needed to improve our NYC environment as we debate current conservation issues, including climate change resilience, environmental justice, hydrofracking, and urban re-wilding.

Explore how the study of material culture is changing as satellites, 3D scanners, and digital museums gain use in the field, and gain hands on experience to see how technology is teaching us about the past.

Event Information

Registration Closed

Dates

Through April 2, 2015

Registration Deadline

02/01/2015

Registration Information

Registration for this class is now closed.

Who: 9th through 12th grade students who live and attend school (or home school equivalent) within the five boroughs of New York City .

Parents, Guardians and Teachers are not allowed to complete applications on behalf of students.